Spring arts: Make it pop

Julia West

Stop by these galleries for the latest in visual arts, from sculpture to graffiti tags.

Artist Jay Walker will also display his art at Urban Pop.

It’s impossible for any true art lover to gaze forward into the spring season without getting excited about the upcoming visual art exhibits. And yes, we're also just eager to roam the streets on First Friday in warm weather. But the art doesn’t stop there. We found several noteworthy gallery openings that are sure to intrigue and entice.

‘The Year of the Woman’April 3-28Artists’ House57 N. 2nd St.www.artistshouse.comIt’s easy to say that paintings and sculptures of the female figure are nothing new. In fact, they’ve been done for centuries. Yet somehow they never get old. There’s always a new perspective and a new voice that makes the whole idea seem fresh. Artists’ House has tapped into that idea and will be presenting Year of the Woman this April. Sure, in reality the exhibit only lasts 25 days — a bit shy of a full year — but it’s the sentiment that counts. The exhibit is strictly paintings and sculptures of women, created by women.What you’ll see: Richly saturated oil paintings by Julie Bell, alluring portraits of various women by Lea Colie Wight and nude sculptures created with painstaking detail by Kate Brockman.

‘Emerging Artists & Designers: Senior Show 2013’April 24-May 18Galleries at Moore1916 Race St.www.thegalleriesatmoore.orgThe most promising, yet-to-be-discovered artists are right here in Philly, and they’re about to graduate. This senior show may just be the best way to stay ahead of the cultural curve. This spring, stroll through the galleries at Moore College of Art and get an eyeful of the future of art. Then when these talented grads are famous, you can say you saw some of their first works.What you’ll see: The show covers all majors, so you’ll find graphic design, fine arts, fashion, interior design, photography, illustration and digital arts.

‘Urban Pop’March 20-April 12Main Line Art Center746 Panmure Rd., Haverfordwww.mainlineart.orgArtists Leslie Friedman and DISTORT take what they know about urban living and pop culture and turn it sideways. Friedman, a local printmaker, brings to the exhibit her admiration for skateboard half pipes, while DISTORT adds his affinity for scrolls to the mix. Both artists will also host a one-day work-shop for those who want to try their hand at screenprinting and graffiti lettering. “Each of these artists and the works presented exist in dialogue with art history as well as our modern experience of urbanism and popular culture,” explains Amie Potsic in her curatorial statement. If that’s the case, this is one colorful and lively conversation. What you’ll see: Vivid colors, pop art influences and mixed media.

Hands on

If you’re feeling inspired and want to try your hand at making your own creations, check out these workshops at Main Line Art Center.Artini: Pinot and PrintsApril 4, 6:30-9 p.m.Leslie Friedman hosts this interactive extension of “Urban Pop.” Grab a glass of wine, learn more about the exhibit and then make your own screenprint treasure to take home.

Graffiti LetteringApril 11, 4:15-5:45 p.m.Artist DISTORT will teach youngsters ages 11 to 18 the basics of graffiti lettering and how to design a personal tag.